Driving Success – Bunhu Mining’s journey to excellence in Western Australia’s mining industry
When Terry Danda arrived in Western Australia from Zimbabwe in 2015 he carried with him a determination to continue his family’s legacy in the transport industry.
Eight years later, this journey has led him to create a successful company that sets the standard for quality services, innovation, and social responsibility.
At the heart of Bunhu Mining‘s operations is its specialisation in iron ore digging, crushing and haulage, a critical service in the mining industry.
Through years of hard work and a commitment to excellence, Bunhu Mining has established itself as a trusted and respected player in the field.
The company’s dedication to delivering high-quality services has set a new standard for the industry, while its reputation for reliability and professionalism has earned the trust of its clients.
As Bunhu Mining continues to expand and make a significant impact, its success story stands as an inspiration to aspiring entrepreneurs in the transport and mining sectors. Terry’s journey from humble beginnings to the creation of a successful company showcases the power of perseverance and a vision for excellence.
Bunhu Mining is poised to shape the future of WA’s mining industry and cement its position as a leading force in the field of iron ore haulage. Terry’s journey to success began humbly as a brickie’s labourer despite being a qualified boilermaker and started his own fencing and roofing labouring business. His heart was set on returning to the transport industry and, in 2017, he progressed into earthworks and demolition as a sole trader.
In 2020, while working on a large civil job in the Pilbara, WA, he was offered the opportunity to sub-contract for Campbell Transport, transporting iron ore, and Bunhu Mining Marine & Civil Construction Pty Ltd was born. Today, Bunhu Mining operates a fleet of 14 PBS based prime movers, 6 medium duty prime movers, over 85 trailers and employs 23 drivers.
The company’s commitment to diversity and inclusion is evident in its dedication to raising awareness for breast cancer research and encouraging more women to enter the truck driving industry.
Terry even dedicated one of his trucks to these causes, honouring his mother, who has been his biggest motivator.
Diversification into Renewable Energy and its Industry Impact In line with its forward-thinking approach, Bunhu Mining has set its sights on diversifying into renewable energy.
Recognising the global shift toward sustainable practices, the company aims to play a significant role in the transition to a greener future.
By expanding into renewable energy sectors, Bunhu Mining seeks to reduce its reliance on fossil fuels and contribute to the development of cleaner energy solutions.
Terry shared that Bunhu Mining’s carbon reduction plans centre around their fleet.
“At the moment we’re using high fuel efficiency trucks and gear,” he said.
“We are working towards reduced emissions and we also are planning to have all our gear hydro by 2030.
“We try by all means to reduce our carbon footprint by using bigger machinery. “That’s why we use road trains to transport our ore- instead of using 145 tonne rated trucks we use 220 tonne rated trucks, moving more volume using the same amount of fuel and down time.”
Bunhu Mining operates a fleet of 14 PBS based prime movers, 6 medium duty prime movers, over 85 trailers and employs 23 drivers.Bunhu Mining recognises that diversifying into renewable energy is not only beneficial for their operations but also for the industry as a whole.
By embracing cleaner energy solutions, the company actively contributes to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and the promotion of sustainable practices. “We are focusing on fuel-efficient trucks and gear, as well as working on having a fully hydro-powered fleet by 2030,” said Terry.
Through their efforts to reduce carbon emissions and invest in greener technologies, Bunhu Mining aims to set a positive example for the mining industry.
By prioritising sustainability and actively working towards a greener future, they hope to inspire other companies to follow suit and drive meaningful change within the sector.
Bunhu Mining’s diversification into renewable energy is poised to make a significant impact on the industry. By reducing their reliance on fossil fuels and adopting cleaner energy alternatives, they contribute to a more environmentally conscious mining sector and pave the way for a greener future. Integration of Innovative Technologies and Advancements in Operations Bunhu Mining stays at the forefront of industry advancements by embracing new technologies throughout its operations. Terry explains the company’s digital administration processes. “Speaking of our trucks themselves, the majority of our administration is done digitally,” he said. “We have embraced technology to streamline our administrative tasks and improve efficiency. We are currently working on a project to create a technology that will revolutionise wheel Bearing temperature checks on our trucks.”
“Traditionally, drivers manually check around 100 hubs on the truck. However, we are developing a technology in Korea that will be placed in each hub, allowing the driver to constantly monitor temperatures in cab using a tablet, and this information will be monitored centrally in the cloud.”
Terry also highlights the company’s commitment to fatigue management and safety.
“We use the Teletrac Navman fatigue management system, which plays a crucial role in ensuring the well-being of our operators,” he said.
“By logging into a tablet, operators can track their fatigue levels on each shift and on a weekly basis. The system alerts them when it’s time to take a break and monitors their hours of operation, and also provides insights into the efficiency and functionality of our trucks,” he said.
From digital administration processes to fatigue management systems and real-time monitoring through advanced camera systems, Bunhu Mining leverages technological innovations to streamline operations and ensure optimal productivity. These advancements not only enhance operational efficiency but also contribute to the safety and well-being of its workforce.
Bunhu Mining sets a new standard for excellence in the mining, civil, marine, and construction industries.
Customised Solutions
Bunhu Mining prides itself on providing customised solutions to meet the specific needs of its mining clients. “We offer a comprehensive service, starting from digging in the pit, through to crushing, then placing on stockpile, and finally loading onto our trucks,” said Terry.
“This integrated approach streamlines the entire process and eliminates the hassle for our clients.”
Bunhu Mining has worked with reputable names across the industry. “We have had the opportunity to work with Campbell Transport on a mineral resources job,” Terry added. “We have also worked on prominent projects such as the Wiluna project for Pilbara Resource Group.
“These collaborations have allowed us to showcase our expertise and build strong partnerships in the mining sector.”
Speaking about the company’s track record, Terry explains that “the majority of our work has been based on delivering exceptional services to our clients.
“We are proud of the relationships we have built, and the trust that our clients have in us is a testament to our commitment to quality and reliability,” he said,.
Expansion Plans and Challenges Faced
Bunhu Mining has ambitious plans for expansion in the mining sector. “We are currently exploring a tenement with the potential to yield 9mt of iron ore, along with valuable manganese deposits,” said Terry.
“Our goal is not just to provide mining services to other companies – we also aim to start mining our own products. We want to process it ourselves, load it on our trucks, and ship it overseas to the end buyer. To support this vision, we have placed an order for a $23m bulk ship, which will enable us to control the entire supply chain from production to shipping.”
Addressing the challenges faced Terry mentioned the main obstacles Bunhu encounters- namely the shortage of labour in the market.
“We are actively seeking solutions, but our hands are tied due to immigration red tape,” he said.
“However, we remain committed to developing local talent and nurturing a skilled workforce within the region.”
Fleet and Capabilities
Bunhu Mining boasts an impressive fleet of vehicles and machinery that cater to various specific purposes within the mining, civil, marine, and construction industries.
Terry provides a detailed description of their fleet, showcasing the company’s commitment to utilising advanced equipment for optimal efficiency and performance.
“In terms of heavy bulk haulage, we rely on the robust Kenworth T909 trucks , Mack Titans & Volvo” he explains.
These powerful vehicles are designed to handle large-scale transportation tasks, ensuring the smooth and safe movement of substantial loads.
Additionally, the company employs 60-meter PBS (Performance-Based Standards) rated road trains, further enhancing their capacity for bulk haulage operations.
For civil work, Bunhu Mining has a fleet of doubles consisting of Freightliner Cascaders and Volvo 6×4 trucks, Caterpillar 150 graders and various earthmoving machinery
To further enhance their capabilities, Bunhu Mining has an order in place for a 200-tonne Komatsu digger and a D10 dozer with Caterpillar. These heavy-duty machines will augment their existing fleet and enable the company to handle even larger-scale projects and operations.
Additionally, the company has placed orders for three 150-tonne Komatsu dump trucks, further expanding their capacity for efficient material transportation. In addition to trucks and machinery, Bunhu Mining ensures they have the necessary ancillary equipment to support their operations effectively.
This includes essential tools such as dozers and graders, which are indispensable in various earthmoving and levelling tasks.
By maintaining a comprehensive and well-equipped fleet, Bunhu Mining can execute projects with precision, efficiency, and the utmost attention to safety.
The Vision for the Future
Bunhu Mining is driven by a commitment to continuous improvement and staying ahead of industry trends.
“We believe in constantly improving ourselves and staying up to date with the latest advancements,” explained Terry.
“This allows us to deliver the highest quality services and meet the evolving demands of the mining industry.”
Emphasising their role in shaping a sustainable future for the industry, Terry explained that sustainability is a key focus for Bunhu Mining.
“We are dedicated to reducing our carbon footprint and embracing environmentally friendly practices,” he said.
“Our goal is to transition to electric and hydro- powered equipment, ensuring a more sustainable future for the industry.”
Looking Forward
Bunhu Mining Marine Civils & Construction Pty Ltd has emerged as a significant presence in the mining industry under the leadership of Terry.
The company’s unwavering commitment to quality services, innovation, and social responsibility has set new standards within the sector. By providing customised solutions, fostering successful collaborations with reputable companies and consistently delivering exceptional services, Bunhu Mining has earned the trust and respect of its clients.
Looking ahead, Bunhu Mining is poised to make an even greater impact in WA’s mining, civil, marine and construction sectors. With ambitious plans for expansion, the company is venturing into new opportunities to solidify its position in the industry.
“We are currently working on a tenement and have made significant progress in our
exploration efforts,” said Terry.
“We have discovered the potential for 9mt of iron ore, along with valuable manganese deposits.”
Their goal is not only to provide mining services to other companies but also to start mining their own product, process it inhouse, load it onto their trucks and ship it overseas to the end buyer.
